11 April, 2009                                 

With a call from Varsha the day before, that summer vacation for the Zari Primary School students starts the next day, I needed to plan the division of ‘Spree’ work for the day rather early . With support of the teacher of Zari Primary School and some of our friends, we embarked on our first campaign in grass routes.

We reached the school early in the morning, as we thought it would give the school authorities some time to decide when they can send the students for the play. The kids had their final examinations going on, which meant we had to stay there for another three hours. I was happy inside as this would provide me ample time to get used to their language and accent. Our practice went on for a couple of hours in the adjacent temple with the kids who lived close by acting as our audience. Innumerable times, my dialogues  were a source of unintended uncontrollable laughter..thanks to my hindi . Soon after our practice ended, the school kids started pouring in. I still remember the enthusiastic dances and songs, those in the front row came up with even with a slight encouragement from us.

Then began our coveted play …that went on for twenty minutes, then followed by an hour long  interaction without the slightest interruption from the kids who were almost drenched because of the morning heat and absence of any ventilation in the closed temple. 

We left the place after having them pledge regards keeping Zari and their school clean with a sincere appraisal of our work by the school authorities. 

One thing, I then noticed.. these kids are no less to their urban counterparts ..they actually are a step ahead… and this trip did increase the long feeling I had that these kids just need some proper guidance to make it big… and thank you Varsha and Harshita, for it was your idea to select Zari as the subject of our mini-campaign and thus sourcing me with some priceless memories.